What was the main goal of establishing missions in what is now the southwestern united states and mexico?
a) to claim new land for the spanish explorers
b) to convert native americans to the christian religion
c) to protect the spanish explorers from native americans
d) to create trade centers for spanish and native americans

Spanish missions in the Americas. The Spanish missions in the Americas were Catholic missions established by the Spanish Empire during the 16th to 19th centuries in areas extending from Mexico and southwestern portions of current-day United States to as far south as Argentina and Chile .

Explanation:

the correct answer on edgen is:

(c.) prevent the spread of communism.

i just took the test.